Mauricio Pochettino was pleased to see Southampton regain their defensive solidity against West Bromwich, whose new manager Pepe Mel helped pave his Saints counterpart's path into management.

Adam Lallana's second-half goal proved the difference in a mostly dull and frustrating encounter at St Mary's. The victory was only Southampton's second in 10 league attempts as they recorded a first home clean sheet since October, having conceded 11 goals in those five previous matches.

Pochettino was relieved to see them looking strong at the back again. "I think the evolution as of late has been good," he said. "I think the team as of late has been playing better, but it has been lacking defensive solidity.

"Today we recovered that, we recovered that winning spirit, we recovered that solidity at the back. The most important thing about this team is that regardless of that fact it has been facing some struggles, it has kept on believing in the work that we do and how we play.

"That winning mentality has kept throughout the tough period."

The return of the goalkeeper Artur Boruc after six weeks out with a fractured hand played a major part in the clean sheet, with his fine save denying Shane Long a late equaliser.

It will have no doubt frustrated the new Albion manager Mel, who was named Steve Clarke's successor on Thursday and watched from the stands at St Mary's. Mel has yet to meet his new players and Pochettino hopes his former mentor is a success at the Hawthorns.

"I know him so well that he was actually my teacher, my professor, when I was getting my pro licence at the Spanish FA about six or seven years ago," he said. "I hope he is able to develop the playing style and I wish him all the best."

As Mel watched, the assistant head coach, Keith Downing, took charge of the team for the last time before handing over the reins. The caretaker manager confirmed Mel did not give any pre-match instructions and is now looking forward to working under the Spaniard.

"I saw Pepe yesterday which was nice," Downing said. "It was a good conversation, he is a warm man and wants to put some good ideas across, so I look forward to working with him next week."

Asked what he would have made of the match, Downing added: "I think he would have seen us an organised side. Without the ball we restricted Southampton to not many opportunities, not clear-cut opportunities anyway.

"We are all disappointed about what we did with the ball. We were frustrated today and credit to the opposition, they don't give you time and quickly press you as soon as they lose it.

"When the goal went in we changed shape and threw a little more caution to the wind and it opened up and we got more into the game as it progressed.

"I think he will work on us in terms of possession and creativity, but I thought there was commitment in terms of the team defensively."

Pochettino's side deserved their win, despite failing to turn first-half dominance into clear chances. West Brom's defence, led by the impressive Gareth McAuley, frustrated the hosts and it took Gastón Ramírez's second-half introduction to change the match. The Uruguayan's superb flick led to Lallana prodding past Ben Foster for the winner.